(Newser)
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The number of teens aged 15 to 17 giving birth continues to drop, but that group still delivers 1,700 babies a week in the US, reports NBC News. That's way too many, says the CDC, which thinks part of the reason can be found in another newly released stat: Among teen girls with sexual experience, 83% say they had no formal sexual education before their first encounter, reports the LA Times. That percentage “represents a missed opportunity to introduce medically accurate information,” says CDC researchers in a new report.

Overall, the study found that 14.6% of 15-year-olds, 28.5% of 16-year-olds, and 38.6% of 17-year-olds have had sex at least once, and only 15% of those used a form of contraception deemed at least moderately effective, such as the pill, a vaginal ring, an IUD, or a hormonal implant. Most (62%) used less effective forms, including condoms and sponges, and 23% used nothing at all. “We are missing opportunities to deliver messages before teens begin to have sex,” says a CDC official.

Hmmm, nothing has changed in fifty years. My parents never had 'the talk' with me and hygiene class didn't do much because we didn't discuss anything in class. No wonder I was a virgin until I graduated and was working my first job! :)

loveandhope

Apr 10, 2014 10:29 AM CDT

Ok in my opinion 15-17 is way to old to be first learning about sex. I knew about sex when I was 12 years old. They should start teaching them earlier because more kids are having sex. More importantly the parents should stop relying on the schools to teach their kids about sex and do it themselves, that's the problem.

TessTalks

Apr 9, 2014 7:55 PM CDT

You can thank the religious right for this failure to educate young people.